The Lakers had all sorts of momentum heading into last year's playoffs, seemingly at least, and plenty of pundits who thought they'd beat Minnesota in the first round -- your hosts here included -- and potentially make a legit deep run.
Well, we know how that turned out.
In the end, some of their shortcomings -- no viable centers, a lack of point of attack defense, spotty outside shooting -- were bigger issues than anticipated. This year, the Lakers have played dominant ball over the last few weeks, and once again look poised to enter the postseason on a high note. So are they actually better than last year, or could once again fans be peering at a mirage?
Well, on paper at least it seems like the former. The center position is improved, with Deandre Ayton playing well and Jaxson Hayes a significantly better player now than he was last year (and he'll be up against backups, which helps). Luke Kennard provides serious shooting chops, and meaningful gravity. Marcus Smart has done wonders for the D. LeBron James has a role that should suit sustained playoff success, and Luka Dončić is playing better now than he was at this point last year... a season where he started the year hurt and played catchup the rest of the way.
That's a lot of reason for optimism. Doesn't mean they're not flawed, but last year's problems at least shouldn't be this year's. Not to the same degree, at least.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are poised to be better in the postseason.
SEGMENT 2: Centers! Smart! Kennard!
SEGMENT 3: Why improvement at the top is critical, too.
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